EVENTS

The U.S. Air Force Academy experience is evolving. Opening next month, the Hosmer Visitor Center brings the cadet journey to life. This year’s Distinguished Graduate and award recipients reflect excellence across generations. The Coach Fisher DeBerry endowment continues to gain support, building for Falcon football’s future. From Founders Day to Chapter Check-ins, the Long Blue Line stays connected. 
 
 
 
 

Stay informed and engaged with the U.S. Air Force Academy community.
This episode of Air Force Gradcast features Academy leadership news; information about the open all-grad survey; March Checkpoints highlights; Cadet of the Year recognition; a chapter spotlight; and in-depth conversations with USAFA boxing and hockey coaches about legacy and leadership.
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 
 

In this episode of Gradcast, hosts Navieve Walkewicz ’99, Vince Greco P ’17 and Chris Bennet ’93 welcome the U.S. Air Force Academy’s new dean of the faculty, share highlights from the Association of Graduates board, preview the upcoming National Character and Leadership Symposium and celebrate USAFA’s newest Holaday Scholar. We also look ahead to the historic recognition of 50 Years of women at the service academies, introduce a new NextGen webinar series and share news about the return of the iconic A-Jacket.
00:20:00 - Chapter Checkin featuring Blue Chile Chapter President, Mark Neice 
00:29:40 - Donor Impact Spotlight featuring Director of CCLD, Col. Matt Horner ’02
00:48:35 - Special Feature with Director of Planned Giving, Tad Vannaman ’94
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 
 
 

This year’s first episode of Air Force Gradcast covers everything from cadet achievements and FalconSAT’s hands-on satellite missions to Cadet Chapel restoration updates, alumni engagement opportunities nationwide, and Career Services resources helping graduates navigate life after active duty. Hear from hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P’17, as well as cadets, Career Services Manager Jay Drake and more!
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 

In this episode of Air Force Gradcast, hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Vince Greco P’17 and Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius ’00 congratulate the most recent U.S. Air Force Academy graduate to earn a Silver Star; they discuss exceptional cadet athletes and scholars; and you’ll hear about the various Association of Graduates giving societies. And don’t miss out on construction updates, the Chapter Check-in with South Carolina’s Mike Rose ’69, a chat with Chris Bennett ’93, the Association & Foundation’s newest senior director of alumni services, and more!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport

Air Force Gradcast hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99, Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius '00 and Vince Greco P’17 discuss the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial groundbreaking, introduce the new Chapter Check-ins and welcome special guest Karl Falk ’98, CEO of Botdoc. Karl reflects on leadership, teamwork and the enduring legacy of Air Force athletics — from the Bolt Brotherhood and Coach Fisher DeBerry’s impact to new opportunities to support the DeBerry endowment and statue project.
 
 
CLICK HERE TOGIVE $70 AND GET GREAT SOCKS!
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 
 

Falcon football Head Coach Troy Calhoun ’89 joins Air Force Gradcast host Vince Greco P’17 and discusses Calhoun’s days as a freshman letterman to leading cadets on and off the field. Hear how playing football for the Falcons was just the beginning of his U.S. Air Force Academy journey.
 
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 

The Cadets of summer, tailgates, reunions, grads in the news and more — September’s Air Force Gradcast is packed! Join hosts Vince Greco P’17 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 as they highlight the incredible summer research cadets did, hear how graduates are stepping into major national roles, and don’t miss updates on the Next of Kin program, new career transition resources and where to find us this fall — from the Navy game to networking events!
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 
 
 

Truman Scholars, USAFA players in the NFL, and a peanut butter–banana–mayo sandwich. They all made the cut in this edition of Air Force Gradcast! Hosts Vince Greco P’17 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 talk Acceptance Day, Long Blue Line Weekend, legendary Coach Fisher DeBerry and so much more.
 
Naviere Walkewicz in her North Dakota studio and Vince Greco on hand in the Wecker Hall studio.
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 
 

Your March Air Force Gradcast is here! Join hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 to get the latest on Association of Graduates biennial board elections, the new Next Gen. Advisory Council, an important new member of the Association and Foundation Team, base access changes, and much more! Gradcast drops the first Friday of every month and is available on any of your favorite podcast apps! Tune in this Friday and share with the members of your USAFA grad community!
 
MEET MICHAEL "BAJA" CORNELIUS ’00
Col. (Ret.) Michael “Baja” Cornelius, USAFA Class of 2000, serves as executive vice president of alumni relations. In this role, Col. Cornelius will lead alumni relations, engagement, customer service, membership and merchandise operations. He will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase and sustain graduate and parent engagement and serve a growing base of constituencies, including more than 55,000 living USAFA graduates. His portfolio will include reunions, chapter and affinity groups, career services, heritage programs, parent and graduate membership, and the WebGuy program.
Col. Cornelius previously served as commander of the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School from June 2022 to June 2024. He is a 1996 graduate of the Prep School.
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport.
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 
 
 

Stay connected with your grad community! Your February Air Force Gradcast is here! Hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 have the latest on Association of Graduates Board elections, USAFA winter sports in full swing, new, events, announcements and more!
 
QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS?  TALK TO YOUR GRADCAST HOSTS!
 - GRADCAST@USAFA.ORG
 
EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS
Click any event listed here for details. All event times are local to where the event is hosted unless noted otherwise. If you have questions about any of the below events, please contact events@usafa.org.
 
VOTE NOW IN YOUR ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES BOARD ELECTIONS!
The 2025 Association of Graduates Election will be conducted from February 3, 2025 at 12pm MT through March 3, 2025 at 12pm MT. The election is for five elected positions on the AOG board of directors and two member-proposed changes to the AOG’s governing documents.
The Board of Directors’ Nominating Committee has identified desired attributes for the five board positions open in the 2025 election:
MISSION: Commitment to our mission “We are dedicated to serving graduates, preserving the heritage of the Academy and Long Blue Line, and supporting USAFA in its mission to develop leaders of character for the Air Force and Space Force.”
BOARD EXPERIENCE: Previous experience on a board, such as a nonprofit, for-profit, and/or military selection and promotion board.
SKILLS/EXPERTISE: Specific expertise is also valued. Areas may include, but are certainly not limited to, accounting, finance, legal (e.g., staff judge advocate), executive leadership and marketing.
CONNECTION: Strong connections with our Academy, our Association and Foundation and other supporting nonprofits are also valued.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION: Military or civilian awards and recognitions also make for a strong candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The election starts on February 3. Please allow up to 2 business days to receive your ballot sign-in information. You can reach out to support@directvote.net if you did not receive your ballot.
Questions? Contact us at elections@usafa.org
 
 
LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL
 - Stay connected to the Long Blue Line and your alma mater!  Create your free LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL account!
The Portal serves as your central hub for the USAFA community, connecting graduates, cadets, and faculty/staff. Gain exclusive access to valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities.
 
GIVE NOW
 - If you missed GIVING TUESDAY and still want to support your Academy:  GIVE HERE
The Air Force Academy Foundation raises private funds to help enhance and develop Academy programs that would not otherwise be fully funded by the government.
Your gifts that support the Academy help our exceptional cadets and graduates reach new heights by supporting cadet programs, providing vital services for graduates and advancing the Academy’s strategic needs and capital projects.
 
OPT-IN FOR YOUR FREE AOG LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Follow the Opt-In link below then all you need to do is verify your identity to begin receiving your benefits.
OPT-IN  | WATCH TO LEARN MORE
 
Have questions?
Email us at: gradmembership@aogusafa.org
Call us at: (719) 472-0300
 
CHECK OUT CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE
Checkpoints magazine is the Association of Graduates' signature communications piece. From its humble beginnings as a black and white news print in 1965 to the award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA. Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, this publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of its inception: to tell the Academy and graduate stories.
 - CHECKPOINTS ONLINE
 
YOUR AOG ONLINE
- ALL YOUR AOG RESOURCES, EVENTS AND INFORMATION IN ONE PLACE
 
With our Gratitude!
 
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport.
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 
 

Stay connected with your grad community! Your 2025 New Year’s Air Force Gradcast is here! Hosts Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ’99 and Vince Greco P ’17 share the latest on USAFA’s Dean of Faculty’s retirement, the Artemis Moon Tree, closing out a successful donor campaign, a day in the life of co-host, Vince Greco and much more!
 
QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS?  TALK TO YOUR GRADCAST HOSTS!
 - GRADCAST@USAFA.ORG
 
EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS
Click any event listed here for details. All event times are local to where the event is hosted unless noted otherwise. If you have questions about any of the below events, please contact events@usafa.org.
 
THE ARTEMIS MOON TREE IS NOW ON DISPLAY! - Image credit USAFA - Copy excerpted from DVIDSHUB.NETPersonnel from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Space Detachment 1, along with fifth-grade students from Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning, gather beside the Academy's first Artemis Moon Tree following its plaque unveiling ceremony at the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Nov. 15, 2024. Notable attendees include U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Linell A. Letendre, Dean of the Faculty (third from left); Maj. Lucia White, Academy instructor (second from right); and Col. Marc Sands, Commander of Space Detachment 1 (far right), whose collaborative efforts were instrumental in bringing the Moon Tree to the Academy.
THE FULL STORY IS HERE |  EXPERIENCE USAFA'S PLANETARIUM
 
LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL
 - Stay connected to the Long Blue Line and your alma mater!  Create your free LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL account!
The Portal serves as your central hub for the USAFA community, connecting graduates, cadets, and faculty/staff. Gain exclusive access to valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities.
 
GIVE NOW
 - If you missed GIVING TUESDAY and still want to support your Academy:  GIVE HERE
The Air Force Academy Foundation raises private funds to help enhance and develop Academy programs that would not otherwise be fully funded by the government.
Your gifts that support the Academy help our exceptional cadets and graduates reach new heights by supporting cadet programs, providing vital services for graduates and advancing the Academy’s strategic needs and capital projects.
 
OPT-IN FOR YOUR FREE AOG LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Follow the Opt-In link below then all you need to do is verify your identity to begin receiving your benefits.
OPT-IN  | WATCH TO LEARN MORE
 
Have questions?
Email us at: gradmembership@aogusafa.org
Call us at: (719) 472-0300
 
CHECK OUT CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE
Checkpoints magazine is the Association of Graduates' signature communications piece. From its humble beginnings as a black and white news print in 1965 to the award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA. Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, this publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of its inception: to tell the Academy and graduate stories.
 - CHECKPOINTS ONLINE
 
YOUR AOG ONLINE
- ALL YOUR AOG RESOURCES, EVENTS AND INFORMATION IN ONE PLACE
 
With our Gratitude!
 
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport.
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 
 

In this edition of Air Force Gradcast, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 and her guest, Air Force Academy Foundation's Vince Greco, announce a long-awaited grand opening, wrap up reunion season, talk tailgating by boat, share their travel plans to meet with grads, home games at Falcon stadium, how you can make a difference, stay connected, new podcast releases and much more! Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!
 
QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS?  TALK TO YOUR GRADCAST HOSTS!
 - GRADCAST@USAFA.ORG
 
EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS
Click any event listed here for details. All event times are local to where the event is hosted unless noted otherwise. If you have questions about any of the below events, please contact events@usafa.org.
 
THE STUNNING HOTEL POLARIS:  GRAND OPENING NOVEMBER 14! - Image credit Hotel Polaris
FOLLOW HOTEL POLARIS ON FACEBOOK  |  EXPERIENCE HOTEL POLARIS
 
LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL
 - Stay connected to the Long Blue Line and your alma mater!  Create your free LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL account!
The Portal serves as your central hub for the USAFA community, connecting graduates, cadets, and faculty/staff. Gain exclusive access to valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities.
 
GIVE NOW
 - If you missed 1Day1 USAFA and want to support your Academy:  GIVE HERE
The Air Force Academy Foundation raises private funds to help enhance and develop Academy programs that would not otherwise be fully funded by the government.
Your gifts that support the Academy help our exceptional cadets and graduates reach new heights by supporting cadet programs, providing vital services for graduates and advancing the Academy’s strategic needs and capital projects.
 
OPT-IN FOR YOUR FREE AOG LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Follow the Opt-In link below then all you need to do is verify your identity to begin receiving your benefits.
OPT-IN  | WATCH TO LEARN MORE
 
Have questions?
Email us at: gradmembership@aogusafa.org
Call us at: (719) 472-0300
 
CHECK OUT CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE
Checkpoints magazine is the Association of Graduates' signature communications piece. From its humble beginnings as a black and white news print in 1965 to the award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA. Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, this publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of its inception: to tell the Academy and graduate stories.
 - CHECKPOINTS ONLINE
 
YOUR AOG ONLINE
- ALL YOUR AOG RESOURCES, EVENTS AND INFORMATION IN ONE PLACE
 
With our Gratitude!
 
 
 
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSAT THE COLORADO SPRINGS AIRPORT!
 
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport.
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport
 
 

It's reunion and tailgating season; a message from the Academy’s new superintendent in Checkpoints; new podcast releases and much more!

The Academy’s Kucera Legacy Center is open!  The AOG and Foundation is look for an Executive Vice President of Devlopment.  It's reunion season and much more! Episode 5 of Air Force Gradcast is here!
 
Episode 5 of the Air Force Gradcast is available now! In this edition, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz ‘99 and fellow Association and Foundation teammates Kelly Banet and Michele Bergeman discuss expanded roles, increasing engagement with grads, reunion season and much more. Get Gradcast the first Friday of every month on any of your favorite podcast apps!
 
QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS?  TALK TO YOUR GRADCAST HOSTS!
 - GRADCAST@USAFA.ORG
 
EVENTS WE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS
Click any event listed here for details. All event times are local to where the event is hosted unless noted otherwise. If you have questions about any of the below events, please contact events@usafa.org.
 
LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL
 - Stay connected to the Long Blue Line and your alma mater!  Create your free LONG BLUE LINE PORTAL account!
The Portal serves as your central hub for the USAFA community, connecting graduates, cadets, and faculty/staff. Gain exclusive access to valuable resources, events, and networking opportunities.
 
GIVE NOW
 - If you missed 1Day1 USAFA and want to support your Academy:  GIVE HERE
The Air Force Academy Foundation raises private funds to help enhance and develop Academy programs that would not otherwise be fully funded by the government.
Your gifts that support the Academy help our exceptional cadets and graduates reach new heights by supporting cadet programs, providing vital services for graduates and advancing the Academy’s strategic needs and capital projects.
 
 
OPT-IN FOR YOUR FREE AOG LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Follow the Opt-In link below then all you need to do is verify your identity to begin receiving your benefits.
OPT-IN  | WATCH TO LEARN MORE
 
Have questions?
Email us at: gradmembership@aogusafa.org
Call us at: (719) 472-0300
 
CHECK OUT CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE
Checkpoints magazine is the Association of Graduates' signature communications piece. From its humble beginnings as a black and white news print in 1965 to the award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA. Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, this publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of its inception: to tell the Academy and graduate stories.
 - CHECKPOINTS ONLINE
 
YOUR AOG ONLINE
- ALL YOUR AOG RESOURCES, EVENTS AND INFORMATION IN ONE PLACE
 
With our Gratitude!
 
 
 
Air Force Gradcast is a presentation ofthe Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundationin partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport.
VISIT FLYCOS.COM HERE
FALL IN LOVE WITH COLORADO SPRINGS' SMALL AIRPORT
 
 
The Air Force Gradcast is presented by the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation in partnership with the Colorado Springs Airport